Dear PSR Families:
Oftentimes when we think of vocations we think of priests and nuns. We don’t really realize that everyone has a vocation, or a calling from God. Each of us are called to be disciples of Christ through our baptism. We are called to holiness, and to be Christ like to others.
The Second Vatican Council called this “the universal call to holiness.” Everyone has a vocation we just must come to accept it. It sounds like an easy decision; however, God’s loving call is never easy in today’s world. He has something deeper and more specific in mind for each of us, we just have to listen. He says to the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jeremiah 1:5). In other words, from all eternity God had a plan in mind for Jeremiah, and the same is true for each of us.
In the Church we have come to recognize that there are four “states of life” through which we live out our particular calling from God. The states of life are: Marriage, Single life as a lay person, Holy Orders (bishop, priest, deacon), and Consecrated religious. Each of these states of life provides a structure within which the person lives out the universal call to holiness. It also guides the person in using the unique gifts and talents he or she has received from God for the service of others in the name of Jesus Christ.
The process of coming to know our vocation is called discernment. I can say from my own experience that this is not always an easy process as I myself felt pulled in more than one direction. Even though I have chosen married life, it doesn’t mean that I can’t accept the call of the Diaconate which is a call I am still discerning to this day. The prayers of others can be a great help to those who are seeking to know more clearly God’s plan for them. That is why we at St. Joseph PSR have initiated the traveling Vocation Cross. We are invited to pray as a family for all of our young people that they may be open to hear and have the courage to answer God’s call in their lives. We also pray for those who have already settled into their state of life, that they may have the strength to persevere and be open to God’s continued guidance in their lives.
On behalf of Fr. Gerry Reinersman and our whole parish I would like to thank you for your willingness to be a part of this program. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. May God bless each of you.
Disciple of Christ,
Steven M. Fischer
Coordinator of Religious Education
St. Joseph Parish School of Religion
E-Mail: stjoepsr@hotmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/stjosephpsr/
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
